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Monday, January 31, 2011

365 - Day 144

1.   When Belle was reading her book to me before bed, she stopped to make a comment to me and said, "wouldn't that be funny if an ant thought, "hey, who is that huge human beam up there?!"" I said "human what?" She said, "Human beam.  You know, like we're all human beams?" Oh man, that made me smile.  I told her it was human being.   She told me that makes no sense and we should be human beams.

2.  Elvis music.

3.  Freedom.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

365 - Day 143

I feel like I accomplished a lot today even though I didn't step foot outside!  Poor Hubby is sick and it was a rainy day so we stayed in. 

1.  Homemade belgium waffles for breakfast.

2.  Laundry washed, folded, and put away.

3.  Clean kitchen.

365 - Day 141 & 142

Catching up again!

Day 141

1.   I made it to Friday.  Extremely long, draining week!  So glad to make it to the weekend.

2.  I began feeling better.

3. I actually slept!!

Day 142

1.  I attended a baby shower today.  It was so sweet to see the adorable expectant first time Mommy.  Can't wait for her little sweetpea to arrive!

2.  Gift cards to Build-A-Bear my girl received for her birthday from two of her friends.  It provided us a fun outing that she thouroughly enjoyed!

3.   Snuggling up with my sicky hubby and watching The Social Network.  Great film!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

365 - Day 140

I'm struggling today.  I had probably the worst night's sleep last night due to asthma attacks and had to sleep sitting up.  On top of that today I've had a few more.  Running on only a few hours of sleep, today hasn't been the best and I'm really not in the best of moods.  These are the days when finding 3 things that made me smile or that I'm thankful for are so necessary!  Time to remember I'm blessed.

1.  The girls got their costumes for their competition in dance class today.  OH-EM-GEE!  They look SO STINKIN' CUTE!  Love, love, loved it!  Brought a big smile to my face tonight.

2.  My niece showing me her pajamas this morning that were hand-me-downs from Belle and being so proud!  She's such a cutie!

3.  Elias saying, "I WUV YOU MOMMY!" over and over before bed.  Love that little guy!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

365 - Day 139

1.  Time to read.

2.  Hubby got home early tonight so I wouldn't have to wrangle the boy at the girl's dance class.  Hugely appreciated!

3.  Being able to breathe.  That's something that I won't ever take for granted after being diagnosed with asthma and experiencing a few horrible attacks.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

365 - Day 138

1.  Some dear friends bought Elias a Batman rain jacket that comes with a cape on it, and he LOVES it.  So cute seeing him running around "flying".

2.  A day spent on the couch wrapped up in a blanket watching movies.

3.  Chicken & Rice soup.

365 - Day 137

Day late because I felt like crap yesterday.

1.  I was able to get into see my doctor and didn't have to wait too long.  Always a plus.

2.  Diagnosed with Bronchitis & the beginnings of Pnemonia again. *sigh*  At least I was prescribed meds so hopefully I'll be feeling better soon.

3.  Cough syrup that helped me sleep.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

365 - Day 136

Sick again. BOO!  I don't think I ever fully recovered and maybe a long fun filled day yesterday was pushing it too much.

1.  Kleenex.  Lots and lots of kleenex.

2.  My hubby for letting me sleep until noon.

3.  Cold meds.  They are my friend.

365 - Day 135

1.  Love! Hubby's cousin got married today.  Huge congrats to Luis & Kristi!

2. Family.  I adore the Hubby's family and LOVE everytime we get together with them.  Tons of fun and tons of laughs!

3.  Family again, but this time it's not just for entertainment.  I love how much my kids are loved by their huge extended family.  It is the best feeling knowing that my kids are loved, looked out for, and cared for by so many people, 

Friday, January 21, 2011

365 - Day 134

1.  Belle and I both felt well enough to go back to school and work today.

2.  Listening to my girl read her Junie B. Jones book before bed.  She is so animated reading it!  It's so entertaining! 

3.  Elias got a haircut.  Fro be gone!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

365 - Day 133

1.   Belle didn't throw up today and is feeling better.

2.  I woke up feeling crappy with a fever, but no pukes.  That's a plus.  I HATE throwing up.  Not that anyone likes to, so I suppose that's a silly thing to say!

3.  Watching my girl devour 2 chapter books today.  I love that she loves to read.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

365 - Day 132

Today has been extremely challenging.  I woke up to Belle crying hysterically around 3something a.m. this morning. She may be growing up, but there's one thing about her that hasn't changed since the day she was born.  My girl gives a hysterical warning before she blows chunks and that's exactly what she did last night.  It's been what I've affectionately named Puke Fest 2011 in our house since the wee hours of the morning.  Today's 365 will reflect where I'm at right now.

1. At this very moment, there's no puke to clean up, and no hair to hold back.

2.  My boy who was bouncing off the walls with energy today, who refused to take a nap, who required 2 baths due to smearing creme/lotions/markers all over himself TWICE, is SOUND ASLEEP.  Thank you God!

3.  Only the girl is sick so far.  Hoping and praying it stays that way.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

365 - Day 131

1.  3 day work week.

2.   Elias sang "Moon, moon, moon" to me twice in a row at bed time all by himself.  Adorable!

3.   Leftover birthday cake.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Sweet Spectacular Seven


















My sweet Isabelle,
Seven years ago today you were born and my life changed in an instant.  Truth be told it changed the moment I found out I was pregnant with you.  My life has changed numerous times because of you.  But seven years ago was monumental. The moment I saw you and held you in my arms my heart was filled with so much love I thought it would burst.  I'm still waiting for that to happen because it doesn't seem humanely possible to love someone so much. 

Every mother should love their child and think they are wonderful.  As biased as some might think I am, I know I'm speaking the truth.  You are the best daughter! You are so much more than I could ever have hoped for.  Every day you amaze me with how intelligent you are, how caring and tender your heart is, how hysterically funny you can be, and how talented you are in so many ways.  You are my best little friend and "I love you the whole universe and back again!"  The last seven years (plus 9 months!) have been the best of my life because I've had you.  Happy seventh Birthday my snuggle girl!

xoxo
Mommy

365 - Day 130

1.  I've been a Mommy for 7 years.

2.  I couldn't have handpicked a better daughter.

3.  Spending all day with my girl on her birthday.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

365 - Day 129

1.  My girl had a fabulous birthday party today with all of her little friends.  Her face was beaming the whole time, and she made out with a lot of cool stuff and a fabulous new wardrobe which she very much needed!

2.  I successfully rock climbed at the party, wasn't sure I could do it.  These old bones can still move!

3.  I got quite the workout in the bouncy houses/obstacle courses/slides helping the boy up and over things.  Completely worth the hysterical giggles that it produced!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

365 - Day 128

1.  Seeing one of my dearest girlfriends today at her baby shower.  She looks gorgeous!

2.  Red velvet cupcakes at said shower.  Yummy!

3.  Passing numerous levels on the girl's DSI Super Mario Miniland Mahem game and impressing her socks off!

Friday, January 14, 2011

American Girl Dreamin'

Isabelle received an American Girl doll for Christmas from her Abuelita and Grandpa named Rebecca.  She LOVES Rebecca.  Not only that, but she's fallen in love with her American Girl Doll catalog.  She spends countless hours thumbing through that catalog day dreaming of all of the items she wants.  Said catalog is now completely worn and should be thrown out, but she would be crushed if that were to happen.  The other night I went to check on her before I went to bed and found her door closed and her light on.  This is what I found.

 




















This is Belle laying the wrong way on her bed asleep.  She's surrounded by stuffed animals.



Sound asleep.  Wonder what she's dreaming of...



















I spy something on her pillow.  Oh yes, the catalog, and right next to Rebecca! I'm pretty sure she's dreaming of all of the things in her catalog she would like to have for her new BFF Rebecca.  And yes, they are wearing matching nightgowns.  A girl can dream.

Star of the Week

Belle was picked to be Star of the Week in her class last Friday. If you don't have a school aged child, this is a biiiig deal for a 6 almost 7 year old.  She was extremely excited!  The honor came with a long to-do list.
























We had to make a trip to the grocery store to pick up her items for the Estimation Jar (she insisted on having 100 items in the jar) and then to Michael's for supplies for her poster.






















We spent a lengthy amount of time up to our eyeballs in foam board, stickers, pictures and glue completing her poster, but it was worth it!  I think it came out pretty cute!


















The week concluded with me reading one of Isabelle's favorite stories to her class, Amelia Bedelia.  Tonight she was putting her poster back up in her room and I asked her how she liked being the Star of the Week.  Her response, "Ahhhh...it was awesome!"

Flashback Friday

Awww!

Baby Envy

I'm not sure if envy is accurate.  Maybe more like nostalgia.  I spent some time at BabiesRUs lately shopping for baby shower presents.  Two of my friends are both have daughters, due a day apart.  The first one it's her second child, but first girl.  The second, it's her first child.  Walking up and down the aisles of BRU brought back a lot of memories.  Probably because my baby girl is turning 7 this Monday.

I remember being hugely pregnant and waddling down the aisles in my nesting phase.  Desperately trying to make sure I was prepared for my sweet little girl and becoming a Mommy.  Truth be told, I don't think anything prepares you.  No matter how many books you read or what you buy, becoming a Mommy is something you learn on the fly and through trial and error.  Nothing prepares you for the instant your heart completely melts and is filled with more love and devotion than you ever thought possible. 

I'm so happy for both of my friends and that they get the blessing of each having a baby girl.  I'm so happy I get to witness their happiness and mooch off it getting in baby snuggles without having to go through labor and the midnight feedings!

365 - Day 127

1. 3 day weekend!!!

2.  I was able to read a story to Belle's class today to conclude her Star of the Week.  Great to see how excited she gets to have me there.

3.  Nothing as sweet as an unsolicited compliment from a child.  Truest form of flattery!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

365 - Day 126

1.  A quiet evening to relax.

2. Finding the cake my girl wanted for her birthday party after calling numerous bakeries.

3.  Good music and the ability to sing at the top of my lungs in the car.  Totally set the mood for a good day.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

365 - Day 125

1.  Waking up to E saying "Stace! Staaaace! Staaaaacy!  Let's go downstairs!  Hewooooo?!? Mommy?!?!?" He's such a funny little dude.

2.  Midday snuggles with my best little man.

3.  A game of Chutes and Ladders with my sweet girl.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

365 - Day 124

1.  Time for me! Love getting my hair did!

2.  A video of my friend's son laughing hysterically.  Completely cracked me up!  So cute!

3.  The show "I Survived, Beyond and Back." Hubby and I have been enjoying watching it.

Monday, January 10, 2011

365 - Day 123

1.  Officer Young for giving me a warning, and only a fixit ticket when we both realized my license had expired.  Today could have been 1,000% worse if he was a jerk.  SO glad he was a nice guy and showed me mercy!

2.  Getting in and out of DMV no worse the wear.

3.  Belle had a great day at school sharing her Star of the Week poster/items.

Sunday, January 09, 2011

365 - Day 122

1.  "Auntie Karina" came over for dinner tonight.  Loved catching up!  So thankful to have her in our lives!

2. The girl and I finished getting all of her Star of the Week items ready and packed.

3.  Just ordered the girl's costumes for her upcoming dance recitals.  Such a pain to navigate the confusing order site, glad it's done!

Saturday, January 08, 2011

365 - Day 121

1.  Last night I told the kids, "Please, please, puhleaaaase sleep in tomorrow, okay?" They.Actually.Listened!  Both slept in until about 9:30 this morning (which is soooo much nicer than 6:30!).

2.  I was able to check off every item on an extremely long to-do list today.  Exhausted but feeling accomplished!

3.  Fire in the fireplace.  It's chilly outside!

Friday, January 07, 2011

365 - Day 120

1. It is finally the weekend.  After a very long, hard, exhausting week I get to spend time with and enjoy the people I love the most.

2.  An easy day.

3.  Watching a video of my girl and her friends dance.  They've come a long way!  So proud of them!

Bedtime with Bubby

Elias has been loving singing "Moon, Moon, Moon" and doing the hand motions (thanks Laurie Berkner Band!).  He insists on practicing a few times a day and singing it at least 3 times every night.  I was hoping to catch it on video last night.  He did a little, and was then distracted by his Toy Story books.  Please excuse my singing!

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Raising an Independent Woman

When someone tells me I can't do something, it seriously irritates me.  I take it as a challenge.  I've never been one to follow the roles of what a woman/man should/shouldn't do just because of their gender.  Sure, there are some things I'd rather the hubby take care of, and some things I'd rather do.  But, I get my panties in a wad if I'm looked at as a weak girl who needs a man's help.  I suppose it's the bra burner in me. 

Last week I was playing one of the Super Mario games on our Wii.  I was stuck at a certain part, and my hubby asked, "Need me to do it for you?"  To which I snapped, "Hey buddy, I passed New Super Mario Bros Wii ALL BY MYSELF BEFORE YOU EVEN PASSED IT!  So NO, I DO NOT NEED YOU TO DO IT FOR ME! I'm an INDEPENDENT WOMAN!"  I may or may not have snapped my fingers and rolled my neck.  Poor guy meant no harm and I threw him some major sass, followed by hysterical laughter from both of us and Belle was there to witness the whole thing. 

For the last week being an "independent woman" has been a running joke and cause of laughter in our house.  Belle in fact told her dance teacher the story in the middle of dance class causing both her teacher and me to be in tears laughing.  As funny as it is, it's allowed me and Belle to have a lot of conversations about being an independent woman.  I'm proud that I'm raising my daughter to not let others set limits for her and to know that being a girl isn't a disability.  There is nothing she can't do if she sets her mind to it!  All my independent women, holla'!

365 - Day 119

1.  My Gram.  She's my last living grandparent, and the kids' only great-grandparent. 

2.  The girl and I stayed up waaaay too late last night doing homework last night, but tonight we had none to do!

3.  Taking a step forward towards forgiveness. 

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

365 - Day 118

1.  A day closer to the weekend.  I know it's a stretch, but I'm not feeling too great and the weekend is helping me push through this week.

2.  Laughing hysterically as Belle told her dance teacher a hilarious story during class and having her teacher and me both in tears.

3.  Having the funny video I posted yesterday of Elias lift my spirits today when I needed it.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

It's Spicy!!

Elias has 2 addictions of late.  I'd like to share one of those with you.  He is addicted to Altoids.  Yes, Altoids.  You'd think those are too hot for him, right??  Well, you're right!  They are!  But he LOVES them.  He loves to sneak and find my purse and get the "spicy".  Saturday morning I found him on my bed with my purse indulging in the spicy.  I happened to have my camera handy to capture the moment.

365 - Day 117

1.  My wonderful MIL came over to watch the boy so I could get into work early today.  So thankful for her being willing to come help at the drop of a hat!

2.  Screams of "MommEEEEE" as my key turns in the door never get old. 

3.  Singing "Moon, moon, moon" with my munchkins before bed and seeing that they learned the words and hand motions all in 1 day.

Monday, January 03, 2011

Is it nap time or strip time?

Poor quality picture since I grabbed my cellphone to snap this.  This is what I found when I went to check to make sure Elias was taking a nap.


















His response when seeing me? "What happen to da pants? What happen to da shirt?"  Um, yeah dude, WHAT HAPPENED?!?!! What a little rat!  I've said it once, and I'm sure I'll say it a million more times, good thing he's cute!!

365 - Day 116

1.  A day spent with my most favorite little man in the whole wide world.

2.  Nap time!  Well, we'll see if he naps, but it is nap time!

3.  Chicken Tortilla Soup.  Thanks for the recipe Sis!

Sunday, January 02, 2011

365 - Day 115

1.  Yummy breakfast at the IL's house.

2.  Finding a bunch of warm shirts/sweaters on clearance!  Score!

3.  Not having to go to work tomorrow.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

2010 was wonderful, yet challenging at times.  All in all it's been a year where I've tried to focus on the blessings in our lives and not the negative.  Yesterday was the true test of this.  To say it was a crappy day is probably putting it lightly.  It's a new day though, and I have a fresh perspective.  As awful as it is to be disappointed by people, I think seeing people's true colors can be empowering.  I saw a lot of colors yesterday.  A lot that upset me, disappointed me, disgusted me, and made me very sad.  I also saw ones that uplifted me, encouraged me, blessed me, and inspired me.  In the spirit of my goal of 2010 it seemed to be the final lesson.  I see those who truly matter are my family and dear friends who I know truly care.  I go into 2011 with the same goal in mind, be thankful.  Be thankful for all that I have and all of the wonderful people that surround me.  I will go into 2011 with my eyes opened, surrounding myself with those who have qualities that I wish to have.  To let that that doesn't matter slide to the wayside, and to add distance to those who show qualities I wish not have in myself.

So, thanks 2010!  Sometimes you sucked hard, but other times you were amazing!  All in all, me and mine not only survived you, but came out thriving.  2011, I look forward to a new year of blessings, challenges, and growing.

365 - Day 114

1.  Breakfast and time spent with friends we cherish.

2.  A new day.  Yesterday sucked.

3.  Date night with my hubby.  We've been needing some time together.

365 - Day 113

1.  Getting my computer up and running.

2.  Having good friends, and knowing who they are.

3.  Going home to those who matter the most.